Radio’s Guide to the Universe

StarDate announcer Sandy WoodStarDate debuted in 1978, making it the longest-running national radio science feature in the country. It airs on more than 300 radio stations.

StarDate tells listeners what to look for in the night sky, and explains the science, history, and skylore behind these objects. It also keeps listeners up to date on the latest research findings and space missions. And it offers tidbits on astronomy in the arts and popular culture, providing ways for people with diverse interests to keep up with the universe.

StarDate is a production of The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, which also produces the Spanish-language Universo Online web site and the bi-monthly StarDate magazine.

Today on StarDate

March 2-8: A New Dawn

A small spacecraft is set to enter orbit around the biggest member of the asteroid belt this week, and we’ll have details on both the craft and its target. Join us for the Dawn mission to Ceres and much more.

March 9-15: Looking Deep

We can’t see the middles of any of the planets or moons of the solar system, but we can learn quite a bit about them. We’ll have two examples this week — a moon of Saturn, and our own moon. Join us for this and more.

March 16-22: Interrupted Sunrise

Sunrise at the north pole will experience a brief interruption this week: a total solar eclipse. We’ll have details on the eclipse, and on the long sunrise — and long day — at the north pole. Join us for this and more.

March 23-29: African Astronomy

Part of a giant new radio telescope is set to be built in Africa — one of several major new astronomical projects there. We’ll have details on these new projects, along with the tale of an Easter storm.

March 30-31: The Moon and the Lion

The Moon passes through the constellation Leo this week, and we'll have details on its encounter with the lion's bright heart, as well as its bright tail. Join us for the Moon, the lion, and much more.

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